AP Psych (Modules 1.2, 1.3a, 1.3b, 5.1a, 5.1b)

Nervous system

the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous system.

neurons

The nervous system is made up of ______ (nerve cells)

Central Nervous System (CNS)

 the brain and spinal cord; body’s decision maker

Peripheral Nervous system (PNS)

the sensory and motor neurons that connect the CNS to the rest of the body; responsible for gathering information and transmitting CNS decisions to other body parts

Nerves

 bundled axons that form neural cables connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body’s neural networks (sensory receptors, muscles, glands).

Sensory Neuron

carry messages from the body’s tissue and sensory receptors inward (afferent)

Motor Neurons

carry instructions from the CNS outward to the body’s muscles and glands (efferent)

efferent

Motor neurons are…

afferent

Sensory neurons are…

Interneuron

neurons within the spinal cord and brain! They communicate internally and process information between the sensory inputs and motor outputs

millions; billions

Sensory/motor neurons have ______ of neurons while interneurons have ______

Somatic Nervous System

Voluntary control of skeletal muscles; reports to brain the current state of the skeletal muscles (sensory input) + carries instructions back (motor output)

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

automatic; controls glands/internal organ muscles; influences glandular activity, heartbeat (all automatic/self-regulating)

Sympathetic Nervous System:

arouses body; mobilizes energy; accelerates heartbeat, raises blood pressure/sugar, slows digestion, cools with sweat; “fight or flight”

Parasympathetic Nervous System

conserves energy and calms; “rest and digest”

homeostasis

sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system work together to maintain…

128 billion

How many neurons in the brain?

Neural Networks

Groups formed by individual neurons in the brain. Like people in cities, neurons network w/ nearby neurons and form fast connections! The more this connection is activated, the stronger it gets (for example, the more you play the flute, the more natural it becomes to play it)

Reflexes

automatic responses go from a reflex pathway called the “reflex arc” which includes a SINGLE sensory neuron and a SINGLE motor neuron to the spinal cord + interact with its interneurons to create a fast response! It is done WITHOUT the BRAIN

reflex arc

reflex pathway which includes a SINGLE sensory neuron and a SINGLE motor neuron to the spinal cord + interact with its interneurons to create a fast response!

after

Does feeling pain happen before or after a reflex?